Slovak nationalist-left government candidate Peter Pellegrini won the presidential election with 53.26% of the vote, cementing pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s grip on the country. Fico has turned the country’s foreign policy towards Russia and initiated controversial reforms. Pellegrini’s victory means support for the government’s aims and a commitment to peace, not war.
Bipartisan legislation to cut taxes for working families and extend certain corporate tax breaks has stalled in the Senate over Republican opposition. The bill includes an expansion of the child tax credit, which could lift 400,000 children out of poverty. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer has indicated that the bill could be considered for a vote after the April 15 tax deadline. Some GOP lawmakers are willing to support the bill with small changes that the Democratic sponsor has offered, but negotiations with Sen. Mike Crapo have been at a standstill. Trillions of dollars in tax cuts enacted under President Trump are set to expire in 2025, leading to discussions about future tax policy.
Gulistan Sonuk, 31, won the election in Turkey’s conservative heartland, becoming one of 11 female mayors in the country.
Fact: Black Caps scored 401-4 in the 40 Over league match against Telugu 11 at Ypsonas cricket ground.
Fact: The opposition party CHP secured an unprecedented victory in Turkey’s local elections, trouncing President Erdogan’s AK Party.
President Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged his party’s defeat in Turkey’s local elections, which was attributed to economic issues and a divisive political style. The opposition party, CHP, won the popular vote for the first time in decades and secured victories in major cities. Erdogan vowed to correct any mistakes made and address the economic challenges faced by voters, as the Turkish lira hit a record low. The opposition’s success was seen as a turning point in Turkish politics, with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu emerging as a strong rival to Erdogan.
Turkey’s local elections were competitive, with the opposition winning a significant victory over President Erdogan’s AK Party. The elections were held in a polarized environment, raising concerns about freedom of expression. The Council of Europe called for more efforts to ensure a fair and democratic political and media environment in Turkey.
Fact: Newly re-elected Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is seen as the main challenger to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s reign.
Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in his Easter Sunday address.
– Ramadan can drive up the intensity of religious beliefs
– The fasting duration during Ramadan varies depending on the year and location
– Research shows that longer fasting days during Ramadan can increase votes for Islamic political parties
– A half-hour rise in the duration of Ramadan fasting increases the vote share of Islamist political parties by 11%
– Turkey’s local elections taking place during Ramadan could help Islamist political parties gain ground, including Erdogan’s AKP
– Islamic parties may face challenges in the longer term as Ramadan day length has been decreasing since 2019